This post takes place when I spent a lazy week on Cancun’s tourist strip. Given that I can’t spend that much time baking on the sand and my alternate activity (getting a root canal) left me in need of an outdoor activity. Hence an excursion to the Isle Mujeres for a day of cycling on the crappiest rental bike I’ve ever crossed paths with. Yet, the island is flat and the scenery beautify, so a semi-functioning bicycle was actually all that was required.

We started the cycling day from Playa Caracol on the Ultramar Ferry to reach the island.  The ferry ride stopped at an additional port before heading out to the island (a short fast ride).

Once off the ferry we walked over to the ‘Giftshop and Bike rental La Catrina‘. We were not the first to arrive and had to hustle to grab two bikes (literally). We then haggled over the price ($15 US for the day) and then watched the boy try to get the bikes in running order. Ultimately, I settled for handlebars that kept flopping down if I pushed on them and set out.

Total Cost Range of this Activity is: $

See Maps & Facts for prices and details.

First stop was the  El Meraki garden café that served all kinds of girl stuff (teas with funny names, omelets with vegan toppings, etc). The food and coffee were surprisingly good.

Video coming soon…

We then zig-zagged our way to the north to visit the graveyard and Playa Norte. (way too many people and noise). We then headed south through town along the beach road to watch the plethora of tourists driving golf carts. Quite the rage it seems.

The rest of the day we cycled south (with a loop north along the west side of the lagoon) then continued exploring our way south along the west side of the island with two important stops.

First was the Nula Art Gallery for a comfortable rest and the use of their toilets. Then at the last town on the southwest side of the island a small shop/supermarket to collect supplies.

We then headed to the Punta Sur Southern tip for tourist trap fun, pictures, and donations.

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After a snack and drinks at the free part of Punta Sur we started riding back north along the east side of the island. This turned out the be the most beautiful side in my opinion, with lots of small intimate beaches and rock formations.

Once back in town, we returned the junk bikes, shopped, and explored.

Our last stop was a jewel called the Tiny Gecko bar located on the southeast corner of the old town. It is a bar with cold beer, good munchies, live music, an ocean view, and a great vibe. A perfect way to close out the day.

We then walked over to the ferry terminal, cued for about 30 minutes and then got on the ferry and headed back to more beach resort laziness.

Final word about the beach tourist strip.

It is all fake and caters to holiday people (generally old or families) and not backpackers. The actual beaches are OK but have huge waves and submerged rocks. The best beach if you want to actually swim, snorkel or explore rock eddies is the southern beach at the Club Med Resort. Yes they got here first and claimed the best spot years ago.

Isle Mujeres Maps & Facts

Download Day Ride Isla Mujeres gpx file.

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